Paul Gascoigne has been sectioned under the Mental Health Act after being arrested in Newcastle on Wednesday.
The former England star has endured numerous emotional problems since his retirement from the game.
He has battled against alcohol-related and drug problems for years as he struggled to come to terms with life without football.
The latest incident occurred at hotel in Gateshead on Wednesday evening when Northumbria police responded to a concerned call.
Detained
A statement released by the police said: "Police attended the Hilton Hotel in Gateshead yesterday evening after we received a report of concern for a 40-year-old who was staying at the hotel.
"The man was detained under the Mental Health Act and no-one was injured during the incident."
Once regarded as one of the world's best footballers, Gascoigne's playing career was plagued by personal problems, many linked to his heavy drinking.
He has has been treated on a number of occasions for drink and mental health problems.
In 2005, he was hospitalised with pneumonia, sparking fears over his long-term health, and last year he underwent emergency surgery for a perforated stomach ulcer.
Sensitive
A spokeswoman for Hilton Hotels said Gascoigne had been at the hotel for only a day and there was no trouble before police arrived.
"He had only been staying with us for one night. He checked in on Wednesday morning," she said. "The call actually came in from the police so it was not from the Hilton.
"From our end the police call came in and we were obviously happy to help but there was nothing hat happened at the hotel to make us think that there was anything wrong and once the police arrived that evening, he was escorted peacefully away."
She added: "It's a very sensitive situation."
